SWEET SPRINGS, Mo. – Have you ever wanted to try the art of catching frogs? Families are invited to discover nature at a frog gigging clinic 6:30 p.m. to midnight, July 19 at Blind Pony fish hatchery. This clinic is free and open to youth and their parent or adult mentor.

“Catching frogs can be a fun and exciting activity for the whole family,” said Brian Flowers, Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) outdoor skills specialist. “Frog gigging, or frogging, is a great way to enjoy Missouri’s fish, forest and wildlife resources while also putting food on the table the whole family can enjoy.”

Participants will have a classroom session to learn the basics of frog gigging safety, equipment, identification and regulations. Then, the lucky frog giggers will have the opportunity to put their knowledge to the test and go frogging with the help of MDC personnel.

“If all goes right, frog legs are the reward that awaits the taker after a successful night of frog gigging,” said Flowers. “We’ll be teaching the group how to clean their catch to take home and cook.”

Frogs are allowed to be harvested with either fishing or hunting permits, as long as the method matches the permit. With a fishing permit, frogs may be harvested by hand, hand net, atlatl, gig, bow, trotline, throw line, limb line, bank line, jug line, snagging, snaring, grabbing or pole and line during frog season. With a hunting permit, frogs may be harvested using .22-caliber or smaller rimfire rifle or pistol, pellet gun, bow, crossbow, atlatl or by hand or hand net.

This year’s frog season begins at sunset on June 30 and will continue through Oct. 31. Daily limit is eight bullfrogs or green frogs and 16 in possession. Children under the age of 16 and adults over 65 are not required to have a permit.

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The American bullfrog is Missouri’s largest frog. This common species is easy to hear on warm nights when the males call a deep, sonorous “jug-a-rum, jug-a-rum” that can be heard from half a mile away.

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MDC protects and manages Missouri's fish, forest, and wildlife resources. We also facilitate your participation in resource-management activities, and we provide opportunities for you to use, enjoy and learn about nature. Read more about our mission.